Jigme Dorji Wangchuck vs Reza Shah Pahlavi

Jigme Dorji Wangchuck signed the Indo-Bhutan Treaty of Friendship with India. The treaty affirmed Bhutan's sovereignty while giving India a guiding role in its foreign policy, a relationship that continues to shape Bhutan's international relations.

King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck initiated a series of modernization reforms, including the abolition of serfdom, introduction of a modern legal code, and establishment of the National Assembly. He opened Bhutan to foreign aid and development.

Jigme Dorji Wangchuck launched Bhutan's first Five-Year Plan, focusing on infrastructure development, education, and healthcare. This systematic approach to development transformed Bhutan from a feudal society into a modernizing state.

Reza Khan, a Cossack Brigade officer, led a coup that overthrew the Qajar government. He became Minister of War and later Prime Minister, using the military to consolidate power and suppress regional rebellions.

Reza Khan crowned himself Reza Shah Pahlavi, founding the Pahlavi dynasty. He replaced the Qajar dynasty and began a program of rapid modernization, centralization, and secularization of Iran.

Reza Shah oversaw the completion of the Trans-Iranian Railway, connecting the Caspian Sea to the Persian Gulf. The project was a major infrastructure achievement, facilitating trade and military transport, but was built with forced labor.

Britain and the Soviet Union invaded Iran to secure oil fields and supply routes. Reza Shah refused to expel German nationals, leading to his forced abdication in favor of his son Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. He was exiled to South Africa.